“The reduction in imports is a big leap forward for the agricultural output,” he added.

The minister said agriculture was one of the most important sectors of Iran's economy, adding that the government has taken measures to reduce agricultural imports in recent years.

“We have allocated a good budget for the processing industry in the current year in order to reduce agricultural waste significantly,” Khalilian said.

In November, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced plans to boost the country's annual production of agricultural goods to over 200 million tons in four years.

He said some imported agricultural products have become key components of the country's national security, but expressed concerns that such products are being used as a pressure tool by hegemonic powers in order to impose their demands on other nations.